I already mentioned this in one of my previous posts - I am currently obsessed with Bromeliads. Bromeliads are excellent houseplants because of its bright color, unique features, and hardiness. In addition to that, propagating bromeliads is quite easy.

I purchased my first bromeliad (the one featured in the photos below) last summer. Since then, the mother plant has produced three offsets or in gardening terms, pups.

When and How to Remove Pups

The plant seller once told me that this plant is generous in giving the owner new plants, hence quite easy to propagate. I doubt her no more! and based on my readings, the more you (properly) cut the pups the more the mother plant survive and produce more offsets. Isn't it exciting?

Now, what is the proper way of cutting the pups? Bromeliad pups can be safely harvested when they are 1/3 to 1/2 the size of the mother plant. Use a sharp knife and scissors in removing the new plant and make sure that the mother plant is not injured in the process.

Potting the Harvested Offsets

Prepare a small pot with a light, well-draining soil. Gardening experts suggest dipping the newly-harvested pups in fungicide before planting it. Due to lack of fungicide at home, I skipped this process. So, wish me a bunch of luck that my three "babies" will grow despite my incomplete re-potting procedure. Do not set it deeply in the potting mix.

The 3 Important Factors in Growing Bromeliads are Light, Warmth, Humidity.

However, newly potted offsets need bright indirect sunlight. Be sure to keep the new plants watered but DO NOT OVER-WATER. Just like other plants over-watering baby bromeliads can cause root rot.

When properly taken cared of, bromeliad propagation can be rewarding and can be a great and affordable way to build your collection.

Are you a gardening hobbyist, enthusiast or expert? Don't forget to share your gardening tips and experiences in the comments section just below this post. Thank you and happy gardening.

The average American will move about 12 times over the course of their lifetime, and each moving experience is both stressful and exciting. In fact, experts say that moving is in the top 5 move stressful experiences for people, even when they're otherwise happy about the move. Not only do you have to give up the familiar routine that you've established in your old location, you also have to create a new life and routine for yourself in your new home. Fortunately, there are a few steps that you can take to make your move a little less aggravating. Here are four to get you started on your exciting relocation.

Research Your New Location Before You Go

Before you even start packing, go online and do some serious research about your new location. Make sure you know what kind of weather do expect, as well as any new cultural facts. Look into local customs and slang, and find out if there are any surprises awaiting you in your new home. If you're moving for a new job, talk to someone in your HR department and ask for advice about moving. They will certainly have information that can help you.Find Necessary Providers Early

Don't just jump into your new home with two feet. Make sure that you have contact information for any professionals that you might need on an emergency basis so that you won't have to worry if disaster strikes. For example, if you need a Charlotte emergency dentist, you don't want to wait to the last minute to find one. Instead, call a local professional like Charlotte Dental Partners before you move. Similarly, find out where your nearest urgent care center will be, in the case of medical emergency.

Use Social Media to Make New Connections

Thanks to the wonders of modern social media, you can make new friends before you even step into your new home town. Join local Facebook groups for your new neighborhood, and find online groups for your favorite hobbies and interests. This way, you'll have a community that is waiting for you on day one.

Pack Only What You Need

Look at moving as an opportunity to jettison your unnecessary items. Sort through your belongings before you go and only bring what you love and need. Start your new life lighter, happier, and more optimistically.

After receiving plants from my sister which included Aloe Vera and other succulents, I was inspired to collect more. Before I knew it I am running out of space in my window garden.

So here is the extension of my home garden - my office desk haha.

succulents in ceramic planters. the cute ceramic boots was a souvenir from a colleague who went to the Netherlands few years ago
Planning to grow succulents? Here are some basic materials you need for planting this "cute babies" in containers. I got these tips from my favorite gardening blog, succulentsandsunshine.com.

Succulents

Mesh tape or drainage screen

A container (the ones with drainage hold are highly recommended to prevent your plant from rotting)

Succulent soil (though there are readily available cactus and succulent potting mix in the market, you can always prepare your own soil mix)

Shovel

Top Dressing (you can use colorful gravels, pebbles, sphagnum moss, gems or beads)

My heart is overflowing with happiness and excitement. My daughter will be part of the team who will compete for the 2017 Division Schools Press Conference tomorrow, July 22. She was chosen for Feature Writing for Collaborative Publishing. She's in charge of writing the article while the other members of their team will handle cartooning, editing and lay-outing.

I can sense her excitement being part of their school team. Even though she missed the last Summer Journalism Camp due to some health issues, she was still chosen by her teachers and trainers. They are undergoing a one-week training. I also gave her additional tips like being extra careful with spelling and grammar.

Hmmm, a blogger err journalist in the making? Why not? In fact, she asked me if she can start her own blog a number of times already. Well, let's see!

Good luck, my darling Thea! We are both excited for the announcement of winners which will be on August 4. Hope majority if not all of the 44-member school delegation will get an award and move on to the regional and eventually to the national level of the competition.

Update:Thea finished 4th place in Feature Writing (English) for Collaborative Publishing. Only those who ranked 1st and 2nd will represent in the regional competition next month. Just the same, the little lady was happy with the outcome and told me that she will continuously improve her writing skills.

I bought some plants for my teeny weeny garden last Saturday. Take a look at my beautiful pink roses and bright green (with red bulb) bromeliad. I started collecting bromeliads because "we are friends". I mean, this plant is very easy to propagate.